(0215) Establishing a National Pediatric Otolaryngology Drooling Service in a Unique Population

Introduction: In October 2023, the pediatric otolaryngology department at Sidra Medicine developed a multidisciplinary team specializing in children with drooling. Our team serves a unique patient population in Qatar with high rates of genetic disorders and consanguinity, with a resultant high burden of children with drooling-related concerns. To streamline their care, we have established a multidisciplinary national drooling service.

Methods: We present a prospective study, beginning October 2023 with patients who have undergone an interventional procedure for drooling, including ultrasound-guided botox injections to the major salivary glands, parotid duct ligations and submandibular gland excisions. We recorded how many clinic visits and anesthetics were needed before and after the establishment of the drooling service. Our outcomes included subjective improvement and objective measurement on the drooling impact scale, a validated questionnaire. We present a preliminary analysis of our results as the study is ongoing.

Results: In total, 20 patients underwent a surgical procedure for drooling. The patient was evaluated by a pediatrician specializing in complex care, an ENT complex care nurse practitioner and a pediatric otolaryngologist. The drooling impact scale was used to highlight the level of concern that would trigger a referral to our drooling service, with a significant reduction within the scale seen postoperatively in all 20 patients. These patients demonstrated at least 2 less clinic visits and 1 less round of anesthesia after formation of the drooling service.

Conclusions: Formation of a national pediatric drooling service has brought much-needed traction to this condition within a population with a high incidence of genetic disorders and resultant drooling-related concerns. We have seen a streamlined referral pattern and a reduction in subsequent clinic visits and anesthetics for the management of drooling. This study demonstrates subjective and objective clinical reduction in drooling-related concerns, with an improved care-pathway enhancing patient/family satisfaction.